Republicans in the 119th Congress have spearheaded public safety legislation and judicial confirmations that they contend have led to the most significant drop in violent crime in U.S. history, according to Senator Chuck Grassley.
Grassley, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, stated that the Republican majority elected in 2024 rejected policies associated with the "left," such as defunding the police and supporting criminals, in favor of a focus on restoring law and order. This shift, he argued, has coincided with substantial decreases in violent crime rates.
"National security is the No. 1 responsibility of the federal government," Grassley wrote. "The previous administration abdicated this duty by promoting soft-on-crime policies that left the American people with emboldened criminals, struggling police departments and Soros-backed district attorneys who refused to prosecute murderers, rapists and child abusers."
According to data cited by Grassley, murder and robbery rates declined by approximately 20% between 2024 and 2025. The Council on Criminal Justice's midyear report is noted as indicating that 2026 is on pace to continue this trend.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has been central to the Republican crime-fighting agenda. Grassley highlighted legislative efforts such as the "HALT Fentanyl Act," aimed at combating fentanyl, and the "Secure America Act," which supports law enforcement and border security. The committee has also prioritized the confirmation of judicial and executive nominees, which Grassley described as occurring at the fastest pace since the Reagan administration.
Looking ahead, Grassley indicated continued focus on legislative priorities. These include a nationwide crime package designed to protect children from online exploitation, address organized retail crime, combat the spread of illicit xylazine, and reduce contraband in federal prisons. He stressed the importance of this package being included in the "National Defense Authorization Act."
This legislative push has reportedly garnered support from child safety, law enforcement, and technology groups, as well as the Trump administration. Grassley framed his work as chairman as driven by a desire to ensure the safety of American families from crime.